The industry’s elite, including senior executives of leading travel companies, government ministers and top tourism decision-makers, attended the gala event hailed as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ by the Wall Street Journal.

World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those companies and organisations that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.

The Gala Ceremony, hosted by Turkish television personality Ece Vahapoglu, also featured a line up of top stars including classical trio Sterling EQ, opera maestro Andrew Andur and the sensational Fire of Anatolia.

Winners included Forte Village Resort, which took the title of Europe’s Leading Resort, and Waldorf Astoria Berlin which was voted Europe’s Leading New Hotel Resort.

On the water, Norwegian Cruise Lines sailed off with Europe’s Leading Cruise Line, and DFDS Seaways was again recognised as Europe’s Leading Ferry Company.

Graham Cooke, president, World Travel Awards said: “Europe is a fiercely contested region for our World Travel Awards, and Turkey continues to serve all markets with luxurious brands offering unique hospitality products and services as well as all inclusive opportunities for the leisure traveller.

“It continues to raise the bar to constantly improve the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and it has been an honour and a real pleasure to hold our Europe ceremony in Antalya.”